Gleaning Facebook: More Big Fibbers

 

Shannon McNeal grew up listening to her grandfather telling tall tales and inherited his talent for spinning ‘em. She loves to share her stories about growing up in Alabama and her adventures after moving to Atlanta. Shannon’s Mama says there is a grain of truth in there somewhere, but a mother’s love is generous. If you hanker for southern porch stories, you will love Shannon McNeal. Come hear Shannon and 13 other lyin’ scoundrels as they try to out-fib one another in the 239th Annual* Big Fibbers Contest, Friday March 20, 2015 at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Will Shannon wear the Whopper Hat back to the big city?

* It IS a fibbers contest!

Whether its at the podium at Toastmasters or on stage at venues like Stories on the Square, Frank Causey entertains. And his tales are apt to be quite tall. How tall is his tale? He’s learned from the dean of American storytelling. Three times he has attended Donald Davis’s famous week-long storytelling workshop. Above is photographic evidence that Frank Causey has been practicing! So the other thirteen fibbers had better be ready. Come see if Frank can capture the Whopper Hat at the 239th* Annual Big Fibbers Contest.

* Yes, folks around here have been trying to outdo one another with fibs, and fabrications for at least 239 years.

Paul Culotta is a retired lawyer. Who better to compete in a fibbers contest? He is also a retired Army officer. Paul moved to Rome in 2008 and has spent much of his time appearing onstage and working backstage with Rome Little Teatre. He will appear again in “Bleacher Bums,” a RLT production coming to stage this May.

A member of Rome Area Writers, Paul has written lots of stories, but this is his first formal storytelling experience. Paul would like to thank Paul Moses for providing the inspiration for the story he tells.

Another rookie is out to whup up on the several old pros in the 239th* Annual Big Fibbers Contest. Can he pull it off?

* There have been informal fibbing contests since the days of Revolution, don’t you imagine?

Keith Jones could have set a record for earliest college degree. Unfortunately, Mercer University doesn’t give credit for classes attended while your Mom’s expecting you. Keith was born in Macon while his parents were students there, and grew up in several communities across North Georgia, including Hartwell, Hiawassee, and Epworth near Blue Ridge.

Listening to stories by the fireside, at hog killings, syrup making, and in other everyday life situations., Keith built his repetoire, then honed his skills during four decades preaching in Baptist churches. In retirement he has launched into professional storytelling.

Watch out fibbers, this late entry wants to grab the Whopper Hat and take it off to the mountains.